Interacting with radial menus for touchscreens

ABSTRACT

The subject technology discloses configurations for providing a radial menu on one or more computing devices with a touch-sensitive screen. In one example, a user activates the radial menu after touching a first finger at a first or anchor point on a touchscreen that serves as a center of the radial menu. While the first finger is disposed, the user then touches a second finger at a second point some distance from the anchor point corresponding to the first finger on the touchscreen. The radial menu is generated based on a distance calculated between the anchor point and the second finger at the second point. The radial menu is not a complete circle and instead displayed as a partial circle, and the radial menu is generated so that the display area is bisected from the anchor point to the second point in some configurations.

BACKGROUND

The subject technology generally relates to graphical user interfacesinvolving a radial menu. The radial menu may be a circular menuconfigured to include a set of menu items corresponding to commands,functions or options that are activated upon selection within the radialmenu.

SUMMARY

The subject technology provides for detecting an anchor point and asecond point corresponding to a radial menu based on touch input on atouch-sensitive screen in which the radial menu includes a display areaincluding one or more menu options; receiving a subsequent touch inputon the touch-sensitive screen corresponding to the radial menu in whichthe subsequent touch input includes a gesture including an initialposition corresponding to the detected second point and a third pointcorresponding to an end position of the gesture; determining if thethird point corresponds to a sub-menu provided by the radial menu; andproviding for display the sub-menu based on a distance between thesecond point and the anchor point plus an additional distance in whichthe sub-menu includes a second display area including one or moreadditional menu options.

The subject technology further provides for receiving a first touchinput on a touch-sensitive screen for selecting a menu option providedin a radial menu in which the radial menu includes a display areaincluding one or more menu options; determining whether automaticactivation of the selected menu option is provided; and activating theselected menu option in response to automatic activation being provided.

Yet another aspect of the subject technology provides a system. Thesystem includes memory, one or more processors, and one or more modulesstored in memory and configured for execution by the one or moreprocessors. The system includes a radial menu module configured todetect an anchor point and a second point corresponding to a radial menubased on touch input on a touch-sensitive screen in which the radialmenu comprises a display area including one or more menu options. Thesystem further includes a touch input module configured to receive asubsequent touch input on the touch-sensitive screen corresponding tothe radial menu in which the subsequent touch input comprises a gestureincluding an initial position corresponding to the detected second pointand a third point corresponding to an end position of the gesture, anddetermine if the third point corresponds to a sub-menu provided by theradial menu. Additionally, the system includes a graphical userinterface (GUI) display module configured to provide for display thesub-menu based on a distance between the second point and the anchorpoint plus an additional distance in which the sub-menu includes asecond display area including one or more additional menu options.

The subject technology further provides for detecting an anchor pointand a second point corresponding to a radial menu based on touch inputon a touch-sensitive screen in which the radial menu includes a displayarea including one or more menu options; receiving a subsequent touchinput on the touch-sensitive screen corresponding to the radial menu inwhich the subsequent touch input includes a gesture including an initialposition corresponding to the detected second point and a third pointcorresponding to an end position of the gesture; determining if thethird point corresponds to a sub-menu provided by the radial menu;providing for display the sub-menu based on a distance between thesecond point and the anchor point plus an additional distance in whichthe sub-menu includes a second display area including one or moreadditional menu options; receiving additional touch input to select amenu option within the sub-menu in which the additional touch inputincludes a fourth point corresponding to an end position of theadditional touch input; detecting a release of the fourth point toactivate the selected menu option within the sub-menu; and activatingthe selected menu option in response to the detected release of thefourth point.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technologywill become readily apparent from the following detailed description,where various configurations of the subject technology are shown anddescribed by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subjecttechnology is capable of other and different configurations and itsseveral details are capable of modification in various other respects,all without departing from the scope of the subject technology.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the subject technology are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several configurations ofthe subject technology are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) forproviding a radial menu in which some configurations of the subjecttechnology can be implemented.

FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an example process for providing aradial menu for display according to some configurations of the subjecttechnology.

FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) forproviding a radial menu in which some configurations of the subjecttechnology can be implemented.

FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates an example process for providing asub-menu for a radial menu in some configurations.

FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an example process selecting and/oractivating a selected menu option in a radial menu according to someconfigurations.

FIGS. 6A and 6B conceptually illustrates example processes for exiting aradial menu according to some configurations.

FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates an example computing environmentincluding a system.

FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a system with which some implementationsof the subject technology may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description ofvarious configurations of the subject technology and is not intended torepresent the only configurations in which the subject technology may bepracticed. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitutea part of the detailed description. The detailed description includesspecific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understandingof the subject technology. However, the subject technology is notlimited to the specific details set forth herein and may be practicedwithout these specific details. In some instances, structures andcomponents are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuringthe concepts of the subject technology.

In some configurations, a radial menu is a circular menu configured toinclude a set of menu items corresponding to commands, functions oroptions that are activated upon selection within the radial menu. Forinstance, a radial menu is graphically depicted as a circle shape withrespective segments dividing the circle shape. Each segment of thecircle shape may be associated with a command, function or option forthe radial menu. Computing devices with touch-sensitive screens areprevalent, such as mobile phones, tablet devices, etc. However,implementing a radial menu that is user-friendly on a computing devicewith a touch-sensitive screen (“touchscreen”) is problematic. A typicalradial menu includes an entire circle shape where segments may beobscured by a user's hand. Accessing portions of the radial menu may bedifficult due to the positioning of the user's hand, the left or righthandedness of the user, and other physical constraints. Further, theradial menu may not support interactions with the menu that accounts fordifferent finger movements.

In view of the aforementioned issues, the subject technology providesconfigurations of a radial menu for a touchscreen on a computing device.

FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) 100 forproviding a radial menu in which some configurations of the subjecttechnology can be implemented. As illustrated in the example shown inFIG. 1, the GUI 100 corresponds to a radial menu that is provided fordisplay. More specifically, the GUI 100 can include one or more displayareas with different sets of graphical elements. A graphical element caninclude, but is not limited to, a button, check box, radio button,slider, list box, drop-down list, menu, combo box, icon, text box,scroll bar, etc. The GUI 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be provided onone or more computing devices or systems.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, configurations of a radial menufor a touchscreen are shown in different stages 110, 120 and 130. Theradial menu shown in the GUI 100 may be a contextual menu provided by anoperating system and configured to accept touch input from a user toactivate and enable interactions with the radial menu.

As shown in the stage 110, a user activates the radial menu aftertouching a first finger (e.g., a thumb) at a first or anchor point 1 ona touchscreen that serves as a center of the radial menu (e.g., servingas an initial anchor point). While still having the first fingerdisposed on the touchscreen, the user then touches a second finger at asecond point 2 some distance from the anchor point 1 corresponding tothe first finger on the touchscreen. The radial menu in the GUI 100 isgenerated based on a distance 115 calculated between the anchor point 1(first finger) and the second finger at the second point 2. Thisdistance 115 represents a radius of a circle shape that defines portionsof the radial menu in the GUI 100. In this regard, the radial menu maybe generated to a predetermined size to fill an area on the touchscreenaccording to the distance 115 between the anchor point 1 and the secondpoint 2 (e.g., the radius). Notably, as shown in the example GUI 100,the radial menu is not a complete circle and instead displayed as apartial circle. In one example, the partial circle is generated to covera display area equivalent to a portion of a circumference defined by theradius. Moreover, the radial menu is generated so that the display areais bisected from the anchor point 1 (first finger) to the second point 2(second finger) as shown in the example of the GUI 100 in FIG. 1.

As further shown in the stage 110, an area of the radial menu may occupya portion of the touchscreen so that one or more “pie” segments 102, 104and 106 extend a distance equivalent to a predetermined portion of theradius from the second point 2 (e.g., position of the second finger),such as 20% of the radius as an example. Other percentages of the radiusmay be utilized and still be within the scope of the subject technology.This allows the user to be able to access portions of the radial menuwithout difficulty due to overextending or stretching the user's finger.Thus, the radial menu includes one or more “pie” segments or sectorsthat aggregately form a partial circle (e.g., a disk or region of acircle), which graphically represents the radial menu.

As an example, a circular sector or circle sector (“sector”) is theportion of a disk enclosed by two radii and a circular arc. Each sectorin the partial circle corresponds to respective menu items correspondingto menu options, commands, functions, etc., that may be in the form oftext, icons, graphical elements, pictures, any mix of theaforementioned, etc., which are selectable via touch input. Further, aportion of the radial menu starting from the anchor point 1 (firstfinger) may be occupied by an empty inner concentric circle 108 thatrepresents a portion of the radial menu completely absent of menuitems/options. Other ways to display the radial menu in the GUI 100 canbe provided and still be within the scope of the subject technology.

The above-mentioned radial menu is configured to receive touch inputbased on movement of the second finger and/or the first finger alreadydisposed on the touchscreen of the computing device. For instance, whilekeeping the first finger disposed in the center of the radial menu, theuser may rotate the his/her hand while swiping with the second fingeraccording to path 117 and/or path 119 in order to select a respectivemenu option in the segments 102 or 106 provided in the radial menu.Similarly, the user may select segment 104 by moving the second fingerwithin the segment 104. Upon selection, the radial menu may highlight(or perform another graphical indication) the selected menu option inorder to indicate selection of the menu option. Subsequently, in someconfigurations, the user may lift or release the second finger from thetouchscreen in order to activate the selected menu option.

In the stage 120, the user has moved the second finger from the secondpoint 2 from the stage 110 to a third point 3 as shown. In someinstances, the radial menu is configured to provide an additionalsub-menu. In one example, the user may swipe or move the second fingerto a portion of the radial menu that indicates that a sub-menu isavailable. The radial menu may provide a graphical indication of theavailability of the sub-menu, such as displaying an additional graphicalelement 122 (e.g., a wedge shape or other shape). The user may thenswipe the second finger outside of the additional graphical element 122to the third point 3 to activate the sub-menu. Upon activation, theradial menu provides the sub-menu for display as shown in the stage 130.

In the stage 130, the sub-menu in some configurations is a portion of aconcentric circle that extends beyond the radius of the initial radialmenu that includes segments 102, 104 and 106. It is noted that thesub-menu does not have the same display area as the initial radial menuand covers a display area that is smaller in comparison to the initialradial menu. Within the sub-menu, one or more additional menu optionsmay be provided. As shown, the example sub-menu includes segments 140,142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, and 154 corresponding to respective menuoptions. The user may then select a menu option within the sub-menu in asimilar manner described above for the radial menu. For instance, theuser may move the second finger to a fourth point 4 as shown in thestage 130 in order to select a corresponding menu option in the segment148. The sub-menu may highlight the selected segment 148 to indicatethat this menu option is currently selected. In one example, the usermay lift or release the second finger from the fourth point 4 in orderto activate the selected segment 148. Similarly, the user may move thesecond finger along a path 152 or path 154 in order to select one of thesegments 140, 142, 144, 146, 150, 152, or 154, and then lift or releasethe second finger to activate the selected segment. Additionally, toexit the sub-menu, the user may swipe the second finger back within theinitial radial menu corresponding to the segments 102, 104 and 106.

In some configurations, as the user is moving the aforementioned secondfinger along one or more paths within the radial menu or the sub-menu,the GUI 100 may provide for display a graphical indication, such as a“glowing” arc, to indicate the path of the second finger on thetouchscreen. As the second finger further moves along a correspondingpath, the GUI 100 may provide another graphical indication, such as adot or set of dots being displayed when a different menu option is newlyselected by the second finger along with corresponding text for thenewly selected menu option that appears alongside the dot(s). Othertypes of graphical indications may be provided and still be within thescope of the subject technology.

For the examples described in the GUI 100 of FIG. 1, the user may exitthe radial menu by lifting (releasing) the first finger (e.g., thumb)from the anchor point, or by lifting both fingers substantially at thesame time. Alternatively, if the user lifts the first finger, the radialmenu may not be exited, thus allowing the user to still interact withthe radial menu utilizing the second finger. Some configurations allowthe user to exit the menu by moving both fingers entirely off the radialmenu.

Although the example shown in the GUI 100 illustrates the radial menu ina particular arrangement, other types of arrangements for displaying theradial menu could be provided and still be within the scope of thesubject technology. By way of example, the radial menu may be providedfor display via a text representation or a pictogram (e.g., one or moresymbols). Further, a representation of the radial menu may be displayedafter a brief delay so that a user can quickly select or activate a menuoption without looking at the radial menu (e.g., without requiring theradial menu to be displayed). Additionally, although the GUI 100includes certain graphical elements, it should be understood that theGUI 100 is not required to include all graphical elements shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, the GUI 100 could include more graphical elements thanshown in the example of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an example process 200 for providing aradial menu for display according to some configurations of the subjecttechnology. The process 200 can be performed on one or more computingdevices or systems in some configurations. More specifically, theprocess 200 may be implemented to generate the radial menu as describedin the example of FIG. 1.

The process 200 begins at 210 by receiving a first touch input on atouch-sensitive screen (e.g., touchscreen) in which the first touchinput corresponds with an anchor point on the touch-sensitive screen.The anchor point in some instance will be utilized as a center for theradial menu.

The process 200 at 215 determines whether a second touch input at asecond point on the touch-sensitive screen is received. The process 200ends if no second touch input is received. If the second touch input isreceived at the second point on the touch-sensitive screen, then theprocess continues to 220.

The process 200 at 220 determines a distance between the second pointand the anchor point on the touch-sensitive screen. In someconfigurations, the distance between the second point and the anchorpoint defines a radius of a circle utilized for generating the displayarea of the radial menu.

The process 200 at 225 generates a radial menu based on the distancebetween the second point and the anchor point. In some configurations,the radial menu includes a display area including one or more menuoptions. The display area includes respective graphical segmentscorresponding to the one or more menu options in one example. Further,the display area of the radial menu includes a circular sector of thecircle utilized for generating the display area. As an example, thecircular sector comprises a portion of the circle based on apredetermined arc and the radius of the circle, and the arc is an angledefined by a vertex based on the anchor point. The display area of theradial menu, in one example, may be bisected from a line from the anchorpoint to the second point.

The process 200 at 230 provides for display the radial menu. Forinstance, the radial menu may be displayed as illustrated in the exampleGUI 100 of FIG. 1. The process 200 then ends.

FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) 300 forproviding a radial menu in which some configurations of the subjecttechnology can be implemented. As illustrated in the example shown inFIG. 3, the GUI 300 for a radial menu is provided for display, which issimilar to the GUI 100 described in FIG. 1. More specifically, the GUI300 can include one or more display areas with different sets ofgraphical elements. The GUI 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be provided onone or more computing devices or systems.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, the GUI 300 includes a radialmenu with a sub-menu including multiple menu options. Differentinteractions may be provided by the GUI 300 depending on the type ofuser input received. For instance, one or more menu options within thesub-menu may be automatically activated without requiring the user tolift the second finger. For instance, an example application may allowan automatic setting of the operating system's desktop background byhaving the user swipe through graphical thumbnails of respectivewallpapers provided in menu options of the sub-menu. Similarly, anotherexample application may include an application switcher thatautomatically switches to open applications as the user swipes throughcorresponding menu options of open applications within the sub-menu.Automatic activation of selected menu options may also be applied formenu options provided in the initial radial menu in a similar manner.Other types of interactions may be provided and still be within thescope of the subject technology.

As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, configurations of a radial menufor a touchscreen on a computing device are shown in different stages310 and 320 for interacting with a sub-menu included in the radial menu.The radial menu and sub-menu shown in the GUI 300 may be a contextualmenu that is provided by an operating system and configured to accepttouch input from a user to activate and enable interactions with theradial menu and/or sub-menu. Further, the GUI 300 may be provided fordisplay in the manner described in FIGS. 1 and 2. In particular, theradial menu in the GUI 300 is generated based on a distance calculatedbetween an anchor point 1 (first finger) and the second finger at asecond point 2 shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in the stage 310, an area of the radial menu may occupy aportion of the touchscreen including one or more “pie” segments 302, 304and 306. Thus, the radial menu includes one or more “pie” segments orsectors that aggregately form a partial circle (e.g., a disk or regionof a circle), which graphically represents the radial menu (similar tothe GUI 100 described in FIG. 1). Further, a portion of the radial menustarting from the anchor point 1 (first finger) may be occupied by anempty inner concentric circle 308 that represents a portion of theradial menu completely absent of menu items/options. Other ways todisplay the radial menu in the GUI 300 can be provided and still bewithin the scope of the subject technology.

As further shown in the stage 310, the sub-menu in some configurationsis a portion of a concentric circle that extends beyond the radius ofthe initial radial menu corresponding to segments 302, 304 and 306. Asmentioned before, the sub-menu does not have the same display area asthe initial radial menu and covers a display area that is smaller incomparison to the initial radial menu in one example. Within thesub-menu, one or more additional menu options may be provided. As shown,the example sub-menu includes segments 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, and344 corresponding to respective menu options. In the example of FIG. 3,each of the segments corresponds to a respective graphical image (e.g.,thumbnail image), which may be utilized for different purposes uponbeing selected, including automatically setting a user's desktoppicture, or automatically providing the respective graphical image fordisplay as part of a slideshow presentation, etc. The user may select aparticular graphical image within the sub-menu by move the second fingeralong a path 312 or path 314 in order to select one of the segments 332,334, 336, 338, 340, 342, and 344, without lifting or releasing thesecond finger to activate the selected segment.

In the stage 320 of the example of FIG. 3, the user has moved the secondfinger to a third point 3 in order to select the graphical imagecorresponding to the segment 342. Upon selection, the graphical image isautomatically provided for display in image 330 (e.g., slideshow oruser's desktop) without requiring the user to lift the second finger inorder to activate the selected segment 342. In this manner, the exampleGUI 300 in FIG. 3 is able to provide automatic activation of a selectedsegment corresponding to a menu option, graphical image, etc., providedin the sub-menu of the radial menu.

Although the example in FIG. 3 describes an application forautomatically providing selected graphical images corresponding to aselected segment within the sub-menu, other types of applications orutilizations may be provided and still be within the scope of thesubject technology. As mentioned before, the sub-menu may include one ormore segments respectively corresponding to one or more currentlyexecuting applications. In this regard, the user may then select one ofthe segments in the sub-menu to switch to one of the currently executingapplications (e.g., task/application switching).

FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates an example process 400 for providing asub-menu for a radial menu in some configurations. The process 400 canbe performed by one or more computing devices or systems in someconfigurations. For instance, the process 400 may be executed by one ormore computing devices in order to provide a sub-menu as described inFIGS. 1 and 3.

The process 400 begins at 410 by detecting an anchor point and a secondpoint corresponding to a radial menu based on touch input on atouch-sensitive screen. The anchor point may correspond with a positionof a first finger, and the second point may correspond with a positionof a second finger (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 3). In oneexample, the radial menu includes a display area including one or moremenu options. In some configurations, the display area of the radialmenu includes a portion of a circle defined by a radius based on thedistance from the anchor point and the second point.

The process 400 at 415 determines whether a subsequent touch input isreceived on the touch-sensitive screen corresponding to the radial menu.The subsequent touch input may be a gesture including an initialposition corresponding to the detected second point and a third pointcorresponding to an end position of the gesture. If no subsequent touchinput is received, the process 400 then ends. Alternatively, upondetermining that subsequent touch input is received, the process 400continues to 420. Referring to the stage 120 shown in FIG. 1, in someconfigurations, the radial menu may indicate that a particular sub-menuis available (e.g., via displaying a graphical element such as a wedge)for a menu option provided in the radial menu. In this regard, the usermay activate the sub-menu by moving the second finger to a positionoutside of the radial menu.

The process 400 at 420 determines if the third point corresponds to asub-menu provided by the radial menu. In one example, the third pointcorresponds with a position outside of the radial menu (e.g., as shownin the stage 120 of FIG. 1). The third point may be within apredetermined distance from a graphical element that indicates anavailability of the sub-menu (e.g., a wedge shape).

The process 400 at 425 provides for display the sub-menu based on adistance between the second point and the anchor point plus anadditional distance. In one example, the sub-menu includes a displayarea including one or more additional menu options. The display area ofthe sub-menu includes a portion of a concentric circle that extends froma portion of the radial menu defined by a partial circumference basedthe radius in some configurations. As an example, the display area ofthe sub-menu includes an arc defined by a vertex based on the anchorpoint. Other ways to display the sub-menu may be provided and still bewithin the scope of the subject technology. The process 400 then ends.

FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an example process 500 selecting and/oractivating a selected menu option in a radial menu according to someconfigurations. The process 500 can be performed by one or morecomputing devices or systems in some configurations.

As described before, a radial menu corresponds to an anchor point (firstfinger) and a second point (second finger) on a touch-sensitive screen.The distance between the second point and the anchor point defines aradius of a circle utilized for generating the display area of theradial menu. Further, the radial menu may provide a sub-menu includingadditional menu options for selection. In order to select a menu optionprovided in either the radial menu or the sub-menu, touch input may bereceived from a second finger that includes a gesture from an initialposition corresponding to a point within the radial menu or sub-menu toa different point, corresponding to an end position of the gesture,within the radial menu or sub-menu.

The process 500 at 510 receives a touch input on a touch-sensitivescreen for selecting a menu option provided in a radial menu (orsub-menu provided in the radial menu). The received touch input maycorrespond with input received from a second finger while a first fingeris disposed on the touch-sensitive screen at the anchor point. In someconfigurations, the received touch input may correspond with a usermoving a second finger along a path to select a respective menu optionprovided in a radial menu (e.g., as illustrated in the stage 110 in FIG.1). Alternatively, the received touch input may correspond with the usermoving the second finger along a path to select a respective menu optionprovided in a sub-menu of the radial menu (e.g., as illustrated in thestage 130 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3). In this regard, the received touch inputfrom the second finger includes a point indicating an end position ofthe touch input that corresponds to the selected menu option.

The process 500 at 515 determines whether automatic activation of theselected menu option is provided. If so, the process 500 continues to520 to activate the selected menu option. The selected menu option maybe activated, for example, by automatically executing a command,function, and/or a set of operations, launching or switching to anapplication corresponding to the selected menu option, etc. In thismanner, the selected menu option is automatically activated withoutrequiring the user to lift or release the second finger to initiate theactivation.

Alternatively, if the process 500 determines that automatic activationis not provided or absent for the selected menu option, the process 500continues to 525 to select the selected menu option. In one example, theprocess 500 may provide a graphical indication that the menu option isselected such as highlighting the menu option or another similargraphical indication, etc.

The process 500 then continues to 530 to detect whether theaforementioned second finger is released. As described above, the secondfinger may provide touch input (e.g., a gesture) including the endposition of the touch input at a particular point corresponding to theselected menu option. If the second finger is detected as beingreleased, the process 500 continues to 520 to activate the selected menuoption. Alternatively, if the second finger is not detected as beingreleased at 530, the process 500 then ends.

FIGS. 6A and 6B conceptually illustrates example processes 600 and 650for exiting a radial menu according to some configurations. Theprocesses 600 and 650 can be performed by one or more computing devicesor systems in some configurations.

As described before, a radial menu corresponds to an anchor point (firstfinger) and a second point (second finger) on a touch-sensitive screen.Further, the radial menu may provide a sub-menu including additionalmenu options for selection. Configurations of the radial menu mayprovide different ways for exiting the radial menu as illustrated in theexamples of FIGS. 6A and 6B. Exiting the radial menu may be understoodas performing one or more operations for closing the radial menu so thatthe radial menu is not provided for display. In this manner, a user maystop utilizing the radial menu or cancel an action within the radialmenu. The following description assumes that the radial menu is alreadyprovided for display with a first finger and second finger currentlydisposed at respective points on the touch-sensitive screen.

In some configurations, the radial menu may be exited by releasing thefirst finger as shown in the example process 600 of FIG. 6A. The process600 begins at 610 by detecting a release of a first finger. In someconfigurations, a position of the first finger corresponds to an anchorpoint of the radial menu. At 615, the radial menu is exited in responseto the first finger being released. The process 600 then ends.

Alternatively, the radial menu may be exited by releasing the first andsecond fingers as shown in the example process 650 in FIG. 6B. Theprocess 650 begins at 660 by detecting a release of a first finger. Insome configurations, a position of the first finger corresponds to ananchor point of the radial menu. In this example, the radial menu doesnot immediately exit upon a release of the first finger. Thus, the usermay still interact with the radial menu by utilizing a second finger tomove within the radial menu or within a sub-menu of the radial menu. Theprocess 650 at 670 then determines if a release of a second fingercorresponding to a point on the touch-sensitive screen is detected. Ifso, the process 650 continues to 670 to exit the radial menu. Theprocess 650 then ends.

Other ways to exit the radial menu may be provided and still be withinthe scope of the subject technology. In one example, the user may movethe respective positions of the first and second fingers entirely offthe display area of the radial menu in order to exit the radial menu.For instance, the user may perform a gesture (e.g., swiping) that movesthe first and second fingers completely away from the radial menu. Upondetecting that neither the first nor second fingers are within thedisplay area of the radial menu, the radial menu is then exited.

FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates an example computing environment 700including a system. In particular, FIG. 7 shows a system 705 forimplementing the above described GUI in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the processesin FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 6A and 6B. In some configurations, the system 705 ispart of an implementation running a particular machine (e.g., clientcomputer, laptop, notebook, netbook, etc.).

The system 705 can include memory, one or more processors, and one ormore modules stored in memory and configured for execution by the one ormore processors. As shown in FIG. 7, the system 705 includes severalmodules for providing different functionality. The system 705 isconfigured to include a touch input module 710, a radial menu module 715and a graphical user interface (GUI) display module 720.

The touch input module 710 is configured to receive a first touch inputon a touch-sensitive screen in which the first touch input correspondswith an anchor point on the touch-sensitive screen, receive a secondtouch input at a second point on the touch-sensitive screen, anddetermine a distance between the second point and the anchor point onthe touch-sensitive screen. The distance between the second point andthe anchor point defines a radius of a circle utilized for generatingthe display area of the radial menu.

The radial menu module 715 is configured to generate a radial menu basedon the distance between the second point and the anchor point in whichthe radial menu includes a display area including one or more menuoptions. The display area includes respective graphical segmentscorresponding to the one or more menu options. The respective graphicalsegments extend a distance equivalent to a predetermined portion of theradius from the second point. The predetermined portion of the radiusfrom the second point comprises twenty percent of the radius. In someconfigurations, the display area of the radial menu includes a circularsector of the circle utilized for generating the display area. In thisregard, the circular sector includes a portion of the circle based on apredetermined arc and the radius of the circle, and the arc includes anangle defined by a vertex based on the anchor point. Further, the radialmenu include an empty inner concentric circle that represents a portionof the radial menu completely absent of menu options. The aforementionedone or more menu options include at least one of text, icons, graphicalelements, or pictures, etc.

The GUI display module 720 is configured to provide for display theradial menu. The radial menu is displayed as a partial circle in someconfigurations. In this regard, the partial circle is displayed to covera display area equivalent to a portion of a circumference defined by aradius based on the distance between the second point and the anchorpoint.

Additionally, the radial menu module 715 is configured to detect ananchor point and a second point corresponding to a radial menu based ontouch input on a touch-sensitive screen. The touch input module 710 isfurther configured to receive a subsequent touch input on thetouch-sensitive screen corresponding to the radial menu in which thesubsequent touch input comprises a gesture including an initial positioncorresponding to the detected second point and a third pointcorresponding to an end position of the gesture, and determine if thethird point corresponds to a sub-menu provided by the radial menu. TheGUI display module 720 is configured to provide for display the sub-menubased on a distance between the second point and the anchor point plusan additional distance in which the sub-menu comprises a second displayarea including one or more additional menu options. In someconfigurations, the second display area of the sub-menu comprises aportion of a concentric circle that extends from a portion of the radialmenu defined by a partial circumference based the radius. Additionally,the second display area of the sub-menu comprises an arc defined by avertex based on the anchor point.

The touch input module 710 is further configured to receive additionaltouch input to select a menu option within the sub-menu, wherein theadditional touch input comprises a fourth point corresponding to an endposition of the additional touch input. The radial menu module 715 isfurther configured to detect a release of the fourth point to activatethe selected menu option within the sub-menu, and activate the selectedmenu option in response to the detected release of the fourth point.

Further, the radial menu module 715 is further configured to detect arelease of both the first and second points to exit the radial menu.Alternatively, the radial menu module 715 is further configured todetect a release of the first point to exit the sub-menu.

As further shown in FIG. 7, each of the aforementioned modules can beconfigured to communicate between each other. For instance, differentdata, messages, API calls and returns can be passed between thedifferent modules in the system 705.

Many of the above-described features and applications are implemented assoftware processes that are specified as a set of instructions recordedon a machine readable storage medium (also referred to as computerreadable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or moreprocessing unit(s) (e.g., one or more processors, cores of processors,or other processing units), they cause the processing unit(s) to performthe actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of machine readablemedia include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips,hard drives, EPROMs, etc. The machine readable media does not includecarrier waves and electronic signals passing wirelessly or over wiredconnections.

In this specification, the term “software” is meant to include firmwareresiding in read-only memory and/or applications stored in magneticstorage, which can be read into memory for processing by a processor.Also, in some implementations, multiple software components can beimplemented as sub-parts of a larger program while remaining distinctsoftware components. In some implementations, multiple software subjectcomponents can also be implemented as separate programs. Finally, acombination of separate programs that together implement a softwarecomponent(s) described here is within the scope of the subjecttechnology. In some implementations, the software programs, wheninstalled to operate on one or more systems, define one or more specificmachine implementations that execute and perform the operations of thesoftware programs.

A computer program (also known as a program, software, softwareapplication, script, or code) can be written in a form of programminglanguage, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative orprocedural languages, and it can be deployed in some form, including asa stand alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, orother unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computerprogram may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. Aprogram can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programsor data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup languagedocument), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or inmultiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules,sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployedto be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are locatedat one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by acommunication network.

Some configurations are implemented as software processes that includeone or more application programming interfaces (APIs) in an environmentwith calling program code interacting with other program code beingcalled through the one or more interfaces. Various function calls,messages or other types of invocations, which can include various kindsof parameters, can be transferred via the APIs between the callingprogram and the code being called. In addition, an API can provide thecalling program code the ability to use data types or classes defined inthe API and implemented in the called program code.

One or more APIs may be used in some configurations. An API is aninterface implemented by a program code component or hardware component(“API implementing component”) that allows a different program codecomponent or hardware component (“API calling component”) to access anduse one or more functions, methods, procedures, data structures,classes, and/or other services provided by the API implementingcomponent. An API can define one or more parameters that are passedbetween the API calling component and the API implementing component.

The following description describes an example system in which aspectsof the subject technology can be implemented.

FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a system 800 with which someimplementations of the subject technology can be implemented. The system800 can be a computer, phone, PDA, or another sort of electronic device.In some configurations, the system 800 includes a television with one ormore processors embedded therein. Such a system includes various typesof computer readable media and interfaces for various other types ofcomputer readable media. The system 800 includes a bus 805, processingunit(s) 810, a system memory 815, a read-only memory 820, a storagedevice 825, an optional input interface 830, an optional outputinterface 835, and a network interface 840.

The bus 805 collectively represents all system, peripheral, and chipsetbuses that communicatively connect the numerous internal devices of thesystem 800. For instance, the bus 805 communicatively connects theprocessing unit(s) 810 with the read-only memory 820, the system memory815, and the storage device 825.

From these various memory units, the processing unit(s) 810 retrievesinstructions to execute and data to process in order to execute theprocesses of the subject technology. The processing unit(s) can be asingle processor or a multi-core processor in different implementations.

The read-only-memory (ROM) 820 stores static data and instructions thatare needed by the processing unit(s) 810 and other modules of the system800. The storage device 825, on the other hand, is a read-and-writememory device. This device is a non-volatile memory unit that storesinstructions and data even when the system 800 is off. Someimplementations of the subject technology use a mass-storage device(such as a magnetic or optical disk and its corresponding disk drive) asthe storage device 825.

Other implementations use a removable storage device (such as a flashdrive, a floppy disk, and its corresponding disk drive) as the storagedevice 825. Like the storage device 825, the system memory 815 is aread-and-write memory device. However, unlike storage device 825, thesystem memory 815 is a volatile read-and-write memory, such a randomaccess memory. The system memory 815 stores some of the instructions anddata that the processor needs at runtime. In some implementations, thesubject technology's processes are stored in the system memory 815, thestorage device 825, and/or the read-only memory 820. For example, thevarious memory units include instructions for processing multimediaitems in accordance with some implementations. From these various memoryunits, the processing unit(s) 810 retrieves instructions to execute anddata to process in order to execute the processes of someimplementations.

The bus 805 also connects to the optional input and output interfaces830 and 835. The optional input interface 830 enables the user tocommunicate information and select commands to the system. The optionalinput interface 830 can interface with alphanumeric keyboards andpointing devices (also called “cursor control devices”). The optionaloutput interface 835 can provide display images generated by the system800. The optional output interface 835 can interface with printers anddisplay devices, such as cathode ray tubes (CRT) or liquid crystaldisplays (LCD). Some implementations can interface with devices such asa touchscreen that functions as both input and output devices.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 8, bus 805 also couples system 800 to anetwork interface 840 through a network adapter (not shown). In thismanner, the computer can be a part of a network of computers (such as alocal area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), or an Intranet,or an interconnected network of networks, such as the Internet. Thecomponents of system 800 can be used in conjunction with the subjecttechnology.

These functions described above can be implemented in digital electroniccircuitry, in computer software, firmware or hardware. The techniquescan be implemented using one or more computer program products.Programmable processors and computers can be included in or packaged asmobile devices. The processes and logic flows can be performed by one ormore programmable processors and by one or more programmable logiccircuitry. General and special purpose computing devices and storagedevices can be interconnected through communication networks.

Some implementations include electronic components, such asmicroprocessors, storage and memory that store computer programinstructions in a machine-readable or computer-readable medium(alternatively referred to as computer-readable storage media,machine-readable media, or machine-readable storage media). Someexamples of such computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, read-onlycompact discs (CD-ROM), recordable compact discs (CD-R), rewritablecompact discs (CD-RW), read-only digital versatile discs (e.g., DVD-ROM,dual-layer DVD-ROM), a variety of recordable/rewritable DVDs (e.g.,DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD cards, mini-SDcards, micro-SD cards, etc.), magnetic and/or solid state hard drives,read-only and recordable Blu-Ray® discs, ultra density optical discs,optical or magnetic media, and floppy disks. The computer-readable mediacan store a computer program that is executable by at least oneprocessing unit and includes sets of instructions for performing variousoperations. Examples of computer programs or computer code includemachine code, such as is produced by a compiler, and files includinghigher-level code that are executed by a computer, an electroniccomponent, or a microprocessor using an interpreter.

While the above discussion primarily refers to microprocessor ormulti-core processors that execute software, some implementations areperformed by one or more integrated circuits, such as applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs). In some implementations, such integrated circuits executeinstructions that are stored on the circuit itself.

As used in this specification and the claims of this application, theterms “computer”, “server”, “processor”, and “memory” all refer toelectronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude people orgroups of people. For the purposes of the specification, the termsdisplay or displaying means displaying on an electronic device. As usedin this specification and the claims of this application, the terms“computer readable medium” and “computer readable media” are entirelyrestricted to tangible, physical objects that store information in aform that is readable by a computer. These terms exclude wirelesssignals, wired download signals, and other ephemeral signals.

To provide for interaction with a user, implementations of the subjectmatter described in this specification can be implemented on a computerhaving a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquidcrystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user and akeyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by whichthe user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices canbe used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example,feedback provided to the user can be a form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input fromthe user can be received in a form, including acoustic, speech, ortactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user bysending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is usedby the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on auser's client device in response to requests received from the webbrowser.

Configurations of the subject matter described in this specification canbe implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component,e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g.,an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., aclient computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browserthrough which a user can interact with an implementation of the subjectmatter described in this specification, or a combination of one or moresuch back end, middleware, or front end components. The components ofthe system can be interconnected by a form or medium of digital datacommunication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communicationnetworks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network(“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peernetworks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In someconfigurations, a server transmits data (e.g., an HTML page) to a clientdevice (e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving userinput from a user interacting with the client device). Data generated atthe client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can bereceived from the client device at the server.

It is understood that a specific order or hierarchy of steps in theprocesses disclosed is an illustration of example approaches. Based upondesign preferences, it is understood that the specific order orhierarchy of steps in the processes can be rearranged, or that allillustrated steps be performed. Some of the steps can be performedsimultaneously. For example, in certain circumstances, multitasking andparallel processing can be advantageous. Moreover, the separation ofvarious system components in the configurations described above shouldnot be understood as requiring such separation in all configurations,and it should be understood that the described program components andsystems can generally be integrated together in a single softwareproduct or packaged into multiple software products.

The previous description is provided to enable a person skilled in theart to practice the various aspects described herein. Variousmodifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied toother aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to theaspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistentwith the language claims, wherein reference to an element in thesingular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specificallyso stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically statedotherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in themasculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., herand its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used forconvenience only and do not limit the subject technology.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect isessential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to allconfigurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to anaspect can apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Aphrase such as an aspect can refer to one or more aspects and viceversa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that suchconfiguration is essential to the subject technology or that suchconfiguration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Adisclosure relating to a configuration can apply to all configurations,or one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration canrefer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example orillustration.” An aspect or design described herein as “example” is notnecessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousaspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed bythe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, the methodcomprising: detecting an anchor point and a second point based on touchinput on a touch-sensitive screen, wherein the second point is detectedfrom a separate touch input on a separate portion of the touch-sensitivescreen than the anchor point; displaying, in response to detecting theanchor point and the second point, a radial menu having a display areashaped as a sector of a circle, the sector of the circle having a centerpoint at the anchor point and the second point lying on a perimeter ofthe sector of the circle; receiving a subsequent touch input on thetouch-sensitive screen corresponding to the radial menu, wherein thesubsequent touch input comprises a gesture including an initial positioncorresponding to the detected second point and a third pointcorresponding to an end position of the gesture, wherein the third pointis separate from the second point and the anchor point; determining ifthe third point corresponds to a sub-menu provided by the radial menu;and providing for display the sub-menu based on a distance between thesecond point and the anchor point plus an additional distance, whereinthe sub-menu comprises a second display area including one or moreadditional menu options.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein a radius ofthe sector of the circle is defined by a line from the anchor point andthe second point.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second displayarea of the sub-menu comprises a portion of a concentric circle thatextends from a portion of the radial menu defined by a partialcircumference based the radius.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein seconddisplay area of the sub-menu comprises an arc defined by a vertex basedon the anchor point.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving additional touch input to select a menu option within thesub-menu, wherein the additional touch input comprises a fourth pointcorresponding to an end position of the additional touch input.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, further comprising: detecting a release of the fourthpoint to activate the selected menu option within the sub-menu.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, further comprising: activating the selected menuoption in response to the detected release of the fourth point, whereinanother menu option is activatable by another touch input prior todetecting release of the another touch input.
 8. The method of claim 1,further comprising: detecting a release of both the anchor point and thesecond point to exit the radial menu.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: detecting a release of the anchor point to exit thesub-menu.
 10. A computer-implemented method, the method comprising:receiving a first touch input on a touch-sensitive screen for selectinga menu option provided in a radial menu, wherein the radial menucomprises a display area including one or more menu options, whilesimultaneously receiving a second touch input corresponding to an anchorpoint of the radial menu, the second touch input being separate from thefirst touch input, the radial menu being shaped as a sector of a circlehaving a radius defined by a line from the anchor point to a secondpoint; determining whether automatic activation of the selected menuoption is provided; and activating the selected menu option whenautomatic activation is provided, wherein the same selected menu optionis not activated when automatic activation is not provided.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the first touch input comprises a gestureincluding an initial position corresponding to the second point and athird point corresponding to an end position of the gesture.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the first touch input corresponds to inputreceived from a second finger while a first finger is disposed on thetouch-sensitive screen at the anchor point.
 13. The method of claim 12,further comprising: indicating a selection of the selected menu optionif automatic activation of the selected menu option is absent; detectinga release of the first touch input corresponding to a position of thesecond finger; and activating the selected menu option in response todetecting the release of the first touch input.
 14. The method of claim10, wherein the one or more menu options of the display area comprise aplurality of menu options of the display area and automatic activationis individually configurable for each of the plurality of menu options.15. A device comprising: at least one processor circuit configured to:detect an anchor point and a second point corresponding to a radial menubased on touch input on a touch-sensitive screen, wherein the radialmenu comprises a display area including one or more menu options, thesecond point is separate from the anchor point, the display areacomprises a partial circle having a center point at the anchor point,and the second point lies on a circumference of the partial circle;receive a subsequent touch input on the touch-sensitive screencorresponding to the radial menu, wherein the subsequent touch inputcomprises a gesture including an initial position corresponding to thedetected second point and a third point corresponding to an end positionof the gesture, and determine if the third point corresponds to asub-menu provided by the radial menu; and provide for display thesub-menu based on a distance between the second point and the anchorpoint plus an additional distance, wherein the sub-menu comprises asecond display area including one or more additional menu options. 16.The device of claim 15, wherein a radius of the partial circle isdefined by a line between the anchor point and the second point.
 17. Thedevice of claim 16, wherein the second display area of the sub-menucomprises a portion of a concentric circle that extends from a portionof the radial menu defined by a partial circumference based the radius.18. The device of claim 17, wherein second display area of the sub-menucomprises an arc defined by a vertex based on the anchor point.
 19. Thedevice of claim 15, wherein the at least one processor circuit isfurther configured to receive additional touch input to select a menuoption within the sub-menu, wherein the additional touch input comprisesa fourth point corresponding to an end position of the additional touchinput.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the at least one processorcircuit is further configured to detect a release of the fourth point toactivate the selected menu option within the sub-menu, and activate theselected menu option in response to the detected release of the fourthpoint.
 21. The device of claim 15, wherein the at least one processorcircuit is configured to detect a release of both the anchor and secondpoints to exit the radial menu.
 22. The device of claim 15, wherein theat least one processor circuit is configured to detect a release of theanchor point to exit the sub-menu.
 23. A non-transitory machine-readablemedium comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by amachine, cause the machine to perform operations comprising: providing,for display on a touch-sensitive screen, a radial menu comprising adisplay area including one or more menu options, wherein a size of theradial menu is based at least in part on a distance from a first touchinput being provided on the touch-sensitive screen to a second touchinput being simultaneously provided on the touch-sensitive screen, thefirst touch input corresponding to an anchor point and the second touchinput corresponding to a second point; receiving a subsequent touchinput on the touch-sensitive screen corresponding to the radial menu,wherein the subsequent touch input comprises a gesture including aninitial position corresponding to the detected second point and a thirdpoint corresponding to an end position of the gesture; determining ifthe third point corresponds to a sub-menu provided by the radial menu;providing for display the sub-menu based on a distance between thesecond point and the anchor point plus an additional distance, whereinthe sub-menu comprises a second display area including one or moreadditional menu options; receiving additional touch input to select amenu option within the sub-menu, wherein the additional touch inputcomprises a fourth point corresponding to an end position of theadditional touch input; detecting a release of the fourth point toactivate the selected menu option within the sub-menu; and activatingthe selected menu option in response to the detected release of thefourth point.